Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the two names for the same white grape variety which is a close relation to Pinot Noir, (Gris and Grigio mean grey and refers to the dusky grey/pink skin of the grape). Pinot Grigio is the Italian name, whereas Pinot Gris is the French name. The grape produces two very distinct styles, depending on where it is grown and when it is harvested.
Pinot Grigio will usually be fresher and lighter than wine labelled Pinot Gris, which will have an oilier, more full-bodied, and aromatic character. The two styles are so different they are normally thought of as different grapes.
What does Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris taste like?
The most common style of Pinot Grigio is produced in Northern Italy from high yields of grapes that are harvested early to retain their fresh acidity and are then vinified in stainless steel. This style is best consumed young. It is dry, crisp, mouth-wateringly refreshing and light bodied with subtle green fruit and citrus flavour with uplifting acidity. As you move to more southerly wine producing regions of Italy with a warmer climate e.g., Tuscany or Sicily, the wines have a riper, fleshier fruit profile and deliver more peach, blossom and pear characters with added weight and texture on the palate.
Pinot Gris tends to be produced from smaller yields and the grapes are picked a little later when they have riper with more complex flavours. The wines tend to be lower in acidity and the flavour characters are more pronounced with stone fruits, tropical fruits with hints of citrus.
Where does Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris come from?
Pinot Grigio is produced widely in Italy. It is most prolific in the area around Venice and the wines will be labelled delle Venezie DOC or Veneto IGT. More complex examples are produced in the North eastern corner of Italy in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige regions.
Pinot Gris is closely associated with the Alsace region of France where is produces off-dry, more intense versions with white peach, melon and almond character which can develop honey and ginger notes over time in the bottle. Pinot Gris is also commonly found in the Pfalz region of Germany and has been successfully produced in Marlborough and Hawkes Bay regions of New Zealand and cooler climate areas of Australia and the USA.
Villa Wolf Vineyards in Germany
Foods that pair well with Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris:
The delicate flavours and refreshing acidity of Pinot Grigio make it an excellent aperitif wine, and it also pair wells with lighter seafood, white meat dishes as well as summer salads. Pinot Gris makes an excellent pairing for spicy dishes, especially Indian, Thai and fusion cuisine with a touch of sweetness or a fruity element.
Photo by Frank Holleman
Our Top 6 Picks:
Cielo Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy
A classic Italian Pinot Grigio from a quality family-owned producer who are practicing organic and sustainable viticulture. A light, elegant and refreshing wine with an enticing bouquet of lemon, green apple and nectarine. Also vegan friendly!
Castello Banfi Pinot Grigio San Angelo, Tuscany, Italy
Castello Banfi is synonymous with quality and are one of the most popular and well-respected producers in Italy. This Pinot Grigio, from Tuscany, is very fresh with green apple, fresh peach aromas and citrus notes. On the palate the wine is rich and full with savoury notes.
Robert Oatley Pinot Grigio, Western Australia
From one of Australia's best known and most reliable regions, this Pinot Grigio utilises first-class fruit taken from a range of high-quality vineyard sites. Fresh and fruity with a soft acidity.
Villa Wolf Pinot Gris, Pfalz, Germany
Pinot Gris was first made as a varietal style in this part of Germany in the 19th century, creating wines with bold mineral fruit and floral notes. This is a spicy example from the team at Villa Wolf in Pfalz, dry and full of fragrant herbs and citrus.
Esk Valley Pinot Gris, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
This full-bodied Hawke's Bay Pinot Gris, made in an aromatic Alsatian style, utilises hand-picked fruit from a range of vineyard sites. Added richness from barrel fermentation and a splash of residual sugar balance the fresh acidity. Full of orchard fruits and citrus, with a lick of minerality.
Bolney Wine Estate Pinot Gris, West Sussex, England
The Bolney Wine Estate has been making wines at the family run vineyard in Bolney, West Sussex, since 1972. Forty years of dedication and patience is now paying off as Bolney are winning an increasing number of national and international awards. This is a medium-bodied and smooth Pinot Gris with plenty of fresh pear along with citrus and honeysuckle. Fresh finish with some grassy notes.
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